Electronic Arts comes out in support of new plan for E3

Electronic Arts has confirmed its support for the reborn E3 expo, with communications boss Simon Smith-Wright telling GamesIndustry.biz that the move is likely to have a positive impact on other trade events.

"EA supports ESA's decision regarding the show," Smith-Wright said.

"The new event will be less disruptive to development schedules and a smaller more intimate show in LA is likely to result in further support for regional events such as Leipzig, China Joy, the Tokyo Game Show and other events around the world."

According to claims made by a senior industry source, it was EA who led the charge to reformat E3 as a smaller scale event - but comments made by Smith-Wright would suggest that this was not the case.

"Every year ESA's board discusses the cost and efficacy of E3. Many members questioned the efficacy of the show and asked to look at alternatives," he stated.

"When Doug Lowenstein offered an alternative, the board voted to accept."

So far, EA is one of only a few industry players to come out in support of the move. Both NCsoft and Nintendo have confirmed their commitment, but the majority of UK publishers have remained silent on the issue.